Holy Smoke!

     The smoke gets in your eyes especially when the wind is blowing in the right or wrong direction. That’s what the wind was doing yesterday with the smoke from a fire near Emerald and Knife Lake in the Quetico Park. The wind was blowing smoke to the end of the Gunflint Trail.  This of course reminded people of all of the fires they have experienced.

     Most of the memories from fires aren’t necessarily good ones.Thankfully the US Forest Service won’t be able to light up any more acres and when and if it crosses into Minneota the USFS will actually have to put it out. This is a good thing for both us and the forest. After last year’s Pagami Fire I’m ok with not adding fire to fire or letting a fire burn.

     There are a few more fires in the forest at this time inlcluding the following and a 1/4 acre fire near Knife Lake. There are some good things about fire, one is the beautiful sunsets they provide.  Thanks to Voyageur Crew Member Extraordinaire for snapping this photo last night.

fire sunset

West Zone Fire Update
                                                                                      Ely, MN
                                                                          Sept. 12, 2012 afternoon
  
CONTACT:  Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District , 218-365-2093, 218-343-3026
Special Notifications:  The stiff winds increased fire activity today. Fire restrictions remain in effect in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight.
Current Fire Activity:
Parley Lake Fire, is estimated at 75 acres, in the BWCAW, T66 R12 S8, east of the Beartrap River, north of Sunday Lake, east of Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake, discovered today. This fire is receiving water drops from a medium helicopter and CL215s today. A ground crew will be on scene soon. Campsites on Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake and the Sundial Primitive Management Area will be closed to secure public safety and allow fire fighters ample room to work.
Hoist Bay Fire: approximately one acre, T64 R11 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake, discovered at about 5:40 p.m. CL215s are on the way. Public Safety crews are going in by motor boat.
Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, put up a lot of smoke this afternoon, worrying residents on Snowbank and Moose Lake. The fire remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.
Fort Frances #59, between Knife and Emerald Lake is also very active today with smoke running parallel to the shore of Knife Lake. The smoke caused concern along the Gunflint Trail. The fire remains on the Quetico side and is also being closely monitored on both sides.
Birch Lake #2 Fire was fought by Forest Service, Morse/Fall Lake, and Babbitt Fire Departments today. The fire was declared out at one tenth of an acre.
Peterson Lake Fire on the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW is one quarter acre. The FS Beaver is dropping water on it.
Resources Available: Forest Service Fire Engines, approximately 30 personnel. Aircraft in Ely are two Beaver float planes, a Sikorsky Type 2 helicopter, and a Type 3 helicopter.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.
Controlled Fires:
Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW; declared controlled today. The fire line held well under windy conditions but will not be out without significant rain or snowfall. This fire will be monitored by both ground and air crews.
Camp Lake Fire is one tenth of an acre. Discovered yesterday and declared controlled this afternoon.
Fires Suppressed and Declared Out:
The Batista Fire near Batista Lake, Township 66, Range 13, the northeast corner of Section 9—east of (U.S.) Agnes and west of Iron Lake, was declared out this afternoon. Wooden Leg Fire (T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42) out yesterday: The lake, portage, and trail closures associated with this fire are lifted. Fire restrictions (fires only between 7 p.m. and midnight) are still in effect in this area as well as within the entire BWCAW.
8 other fires were declared out between September 6th and 10th.
 
 
 
 
 
Becca Manlove
Information Assistant
Kawishiwi Ranger District
218-365-2093